"My choir and I truly enjoyed our very first INTERKULTUR event, the Asia Pacific Choir Games in Manado! Thank you very much! Will surely come again to one of your future events. More power to all of you."

4th Asia Pacific Choir Games
Explore Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”!
With the 4th Asia Pacific Choir Games 2017 being prepared for Colombo, Sri Lanka, INTERKULTUR is eager to explore a new cultural area and tradition, since this is the very first time that an INTERKULTUR event is going to be held in South Asia.
Thousands of participants from a host of competing nations will perform in a variety of venues, turning Colombo into a hub for Asia-Pacific choral music. The invitation to this unique event goes not only to choirs from the Asia-Pacific region, but also to ensembles from all around the globe, all of whom will surely find a platform to participate.
The event is based on a comprehensive and deliberate pedagogical concept and will thus offer to all interested participants various workshops and seminars held by some of the best international experts! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to expand your mind and soul!
As for Sri Lanka, there is something to experience for everyone: culture and archeology enthusiasts will find world heritage sites of gigantic proportions and Buddhist and Hinduist Temples; nature and animal lovers can observe wild animals such as elephants, leopards, flamingos and whales up close.
Participation Opportunities
This event invites all non-professional choirs of the world to participate, offering fair and realistic competition to experienced competitive choirs as well as to choirs with relatively little international experience. The 4th Asia Pacific Choir Games combined with the Grand Prix of Nations Colombo 2017 offers the Open Competition, the Asia Pacific Champions Competition and the Grand Prix of Nations Colombo 2017. These three competitions allow choirs the opportunity to participate at the appropriate level an even to qualify for the higher levels.
Choirs that do not want to participate in the competitions have the chance to perform with choirs from around the world in Friendship Concerts, in an international Festival Stage Choir or to be evaluated and learn from respected international conductors.
AI – The Open Competition
In the spirit of „Participation is the highest honor“, choirs from all over the world, regardless of their present level of achievement, have the opportunity to participate in the Open Competition to gather valuable experience in international competition.
AII – Asia Pacific Champions Competition
This competition level is open to Asia Pacific choirs with international competitive experience and/or comparable credentials. Participation is by decision of the Artistic Committee.
AIII – Grand Prix of Nations Colombo 2017
The Grand Prix of Nations Colombo 2017 is open to choirs from all over the world that have corresponding international competitive experience and that have proven their abilities in international choral competitions. Participation is by decision of the Artistic Committee.
Categories
All three competitions are held in 10 different categories the participating choirs can choose their most suitable from:
The Open Competition | Asia Pacific Champions Competition | Grand Prix of Nations |
---|---|---|
O1 – Children's Choirs | C1 – Children's Choirs | GP1 – Children's Choirs |
O2 – Youth Choirs (Mixed and Equal Voices) | C2 – Youth Choirs (Mixed and Equal Voices) | GP2 – Youth Choirs (Mixed and Equal Voices) |
O3 – Chamber Choirs/Vocal Ensembles | C3 – Chamber Choirs/Vocal Ensembles | GP3 – Chamber Choirs/Vocal Ensembles |
O4 – Adult Choirs (Mixed, Male, Female Choirs) | C4 – Adult Choirs (Mixed, Male, Female Choirs) | GP4 – Adult Choirs (Mixed, Male, Female Choirs) |
O5 – Musica Sacra a cappella | C5 – Musica Sacra a cappella | GP5 – Musica Sacra a cappella |
O6 – Musica Sacra with accompaniment | C6 – Musica Sacra with accompaniment | GP6 – Musica Sacra with accompaniment |
O7 – Gospel, Spiritual, Music of Spirit and Faith | C7 – Gospel, Spiritual, Music of Spirit and Faith | GP7 – Gospel, Spiritual, Music of Spirit and Faith |
O8 – Jazz, Pop, Show | C8 – Jazz, Pop, Show | GP8 – Jazz, Pop, Show |
O9 – Folklore a cappella | C9 – Folklore a cappella | GP9 – Folklore a cappella |
O10 – Folklore with accompaniment | C10 – Folklore with accompaniment | GP10 – Folklore with accompaniment |
A detailed description of the competition categories can also be found in the booklet available for download:
Participant Information(1.3 MB)
BI – Evaluation Performance for non-competing choirs
This level of participation is available to choirs who choose not to be placed in competition, but seek to be part of the international experience of the event.
Choirs will sing a program of three pieces for a maximum performance time of 15 minutes in front of a panel of international experts. At the conclusion of the program there will be a brief internal consultation of the panel of choral experts. Finally, the program is discussed with the choir in an open and amicable atmosphere. Performance coaching and recommendations will be given for future participation in international competitions. The choirs will receive an official certificate of participation.
BII – Individual Coaching
All participants, whether taking part in the competitions or not, are given the opportunity to participate with their choir in a session with a noted international choir director.
Choirs interested in making use of this opportunity are required to prepare one piece of choral music. An internationally respected choral music expert will then rehearse the piece with the choir to provide new artistic ideas and impetus. Choirs not participating in the competition are presented a certificate and a recommendation for their future participation in international choral competitions.
CI – Friendship Concerts
In addition to their competitive or non-competitive participation, choirs may perform in a Friendship Concert with other choirs in public venues in and around the city of Colombo.
These free public concerts provide opportunity for each choir to present musical traditions and costumes of their native land. Choirs, instrumental groups, and dance companies not participating in any other category may also register to participate solely in multiple Friendship Concerts.
CII – Festival Stage Choir
As artistic highlight of the event a festive performance of a selection of traditional and choral symphonic pieces will be performed at the Closing Concert.
During your stay obligatory rehearsal sessions will take place. Choirs interested in participating in this concert are invited to register for it. However, the Artistic Committee has final approval on selection of choirs who must rehearse independently and arrive prepared for massed rehearsal.
Choirs may also only participate in Friendship Concerts and/or the Festival Stage Choir performance.
"All of us had a great time there, and the success of your festival left on us very good impressions. Many of the choir members speak highly of your festival's organization and high-level competition, and for them it was really an unforgettable experience."
"Thank you very much for a fantastic and well-organized choir festival! Just very shortly a big applause to all of you who has arranged a very nice and interested trip to all of us."
Registration Information
This event lies in the past!
You are interested in participating in this event series? Then have a look right now at our overview, which provides information about when the event will be held the next time. There you can also find further dates and destinations of our events taking place worldwide.
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Impressions








































Event Details
Saturday, October 21, 2017
- 7:30 p.m. Temple Trees: Opening Concert
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Sunday, October 22, 2017
- Stage Rehearsals and Rehearsals
- Open Competition: Categories O4, O9
- Individual Coachings
- 11:00 a.m. Workshop
- 5:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna Open-Air Stage: Friendship Concert
- 7:00 p.m. Temple Trees: Celebration Concert
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Monday, October 23, 2017
- Stage Rehearsals and Rehearsals
- Open Competition: Categories O7 (Nelum Pokuna), O2, O6 (Lionel Wendt)
- Champions Competition: Categories C4, C9 (Nelum Pokuna), C6 (Lionel Wendt)
- Individual Coachings
- 11:00 a.m. Workshop
- 3:00 p.m. St. Mary's Church: Friendship Concert
- 5:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna Open-Air Stage: Friendship Concert
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
- 7:30 p.m. Temple Trees: Awards Ceremony Part I
- Stage Rehearsals and Rehearsals
- Champions Competition: Categories C7 (Nelum Pokuna), C2 (Lionel Wendt)
- Grand Prix: Categories GP4, GP9, GP7 (Nelum Pokuna), GP6, GP2 (Lionel Wendt)
- 11:00 a.m. Workshop
- 5:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna Open-Air Stage: Friendship Concert
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
- 5:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna: Choir Parade and Evening of Celebration
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Thursday, October 26, 2017
- Stage Rehearsals and Rehearsals
- Open Competition: Categories O10, O8 (Nelum Pokuna), O1, O3, O5 (Lionel Wendt)
- Individual Coachings
- 10:00 a.m. St. Mary's Church: Friendship Concert
- 11:00 a.m. Workshop
- 5:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna Open-Air Stage: Friendship Concert
- 7:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna: Celebration Concert
- 7:30 p.m. Temple Trees: Festival Stage Choir Rehearsal
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Friday, October 27, 2017
- Stage Rehearsals and Rehearsals
- Champions Competition: Categories C10, C8 (Nelum Pokuna), C3, C5, C1 (Lionel Wendt)
- Grand Prix: Categories GP10, GP8 (Nelum Pokuna), GP3 (Lionel Wendt)
- Individual Coachings
- 11:00 a.m. Workshop
- 5:00 p.m. Nelum Pokuna Open-Air Stage: Friendship Concert
- 7:30 p.m. Temple Trees: Festival Stage Choir Rehearsal
- Sightseeing and excursions*
Saturday, October 28, 2017
- 4:00 p.m. Temple Trees: Awards Ceremony
- 6:00 p.m. Temple Trees: Closing Concert
- Grand Prix: Categories GP5, GP1 (Lionel Wendt)
- Sightseeing and excursions*
depending on the individual schedule
Subject to change!
If you are interested in individual excursions please send an email to travel(at)interkultur.com.
Celebration Concert "Asian Celebration"
Sunday, October 22, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. | Temple Trees
- Mizo Cardinal Choir, India
Conductor: Lalsângliana Râlte - KMITL Chorus, Thailand
Conductor: Kajornsak Kittimathaveenan - Asteria - Female Voice Choir, Sri Lanka
Conductor: Prashalini Peiris - Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Conductor: Abraham Patrick Badiaraja Simanjuntak
Celebration Concert "Europe Meets Asia"
Thursday, October 26, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. | Nelum Pokuna
- The Children's Choir Alie Parusa of the Art School #1 in Vladivostok, Russia
Conductor: Elena Petukhova - Shenzhen Yuanling Jiujiu Choir, China
Conductor: Qianning Zhu - The British School in Colombo Choir, Sri Lanka
Conductor: Shamistha de Silva - Folk Song Group "Jane", Croatia
Conductor: Ana Jaklinović - Riga Orthodox Chamber Choir "Blagovest", Latvia
Conductor: Aleksandrs Brandavs
Tickets for the Celebration Concerts can be purchased from the 10th of October online at choirgames.tickets.lk.
True to our INTERKULTUR motto "Singing together brings nations together" we will have a "Singing Together" (Common singing) during the Asia Pacific Choir Games at the Opening Event, Awards Ceremony, Choir Parade and Closing Concert.
The festival hymn "Asia Aura" was composed by Elfa Secioria (founder of the Elfa's Singer) on the occasion of the 1st Asia Pacific Choir Games 2007 in Jakarta. With this song we also want to bring Colombo to sound during the 4th event.
Downloads
Scores Choirs Part(156 KB)
Scores Conductors Part(156 KB)
Sound Example(4.9 MB)

Nelum Pokuna Theatre

Competition, Friendship Concerts, Festival Office, Celebration Concert
Address: 110, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
The Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) is the largest performing arts theatre in Sri Lanka. It is a fully equipped performance centre, meant for large scale theatrical productions. The theatre consists of two venues for performances, which includes the main auditorium and an Open Air Amphitheatre.
Throughout ancient times, the performing arts received royal patronage. If the performing arts are to be sustained, it has to receive state patronage. The Sri Lankan government constructed this centre, especially for this purpose. To have a modern theatre like this is a long cherished dream of the Sri Lankan artists for many years.
Situated in the heart of Colombo city, this modern architectural masterpiece facilitates easy access for both local and foreign producers. The Nelum Pokuna Theatre has been designed, by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Designs (BIAD). Its structural design has been inspired by the Lotus Pond in Polonnaruwa.
Source: lotuspond.lk
Photos: nelumpokuna.com

Lionel Wendt Theatre

Competition
Address: 18 Guildford Crescent, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
The art centre opened in December 1953 with a production of Maxim Gorky's The Lower Depths with a cast of some of Colombo's most accomplished amateur actors, directed by Neumann Jubal.
The theatre is dedicated to Lionel Wendt, who was a barrister born in Colombo whose principal interests lay not in law but in music and photography. He was a virtuoso pianist whose performances were highly regarded, and he was a dedicated teacher. Upon his death, his brother Harry and their friend, Harold Peiris, decided to commemorate Lionel Wendt in an arts complex.
With Chitrasena's Karadiya, which had its first performance here in 1961, the Wendt became the most widely-used venue for performances of plays in both Sinhala and English with the occasional production of a play in Tamil. It has also been the place for the performance of musical concerts, Bharatha Natyam arangetrams and recitals of classical music, both Western and Indian. Indeed, the centre has fulfilled every aspect of its dedication as a, place for the practice and performance of all the arts.
Source: lionelwendt.org
Photos: Wikimedia, INTERKULTUR

St. Mary's Church

Friendship Concerts
Address: 66, Lauries Rd, Colombo 4, Sri Lanka
St. Mary's Church, Bambalapitiya, is one of the oldest parishes in the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The parish building that you see today is over a century old.
Source: stmarysbambalapitiya.org
Photos: INTERKULTUR

Temple Trees - The Official Residence of the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Opening Concert, Closing Concert, Award Ceremonies, Celebration Concert
Address: No: 58, Sir Ernest De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
The history of Temple Trees goes back to early 19th century. Its ownership passed though several prominent British administrators and traders. It was owned between 1830-1834 by John Walbeoff of the British Civil Service, who headed the Cinnamon Department of Ceylon. Later it was sold to John Philip Green who named it "Temple Trees" in 1856 for the Temple Trees that grew around the bungalow.
The house was purchased by the British Government of Ceylon and became the residence of the Colonial Secretary. Since 1948 it became the residence of the Prime Minister of Ceylon and D. S. Senanayake became the first Prime Minister to take up residence.
The Opening Concert will take place at the Main Banquet Hall of the Temple Trees.
Source & Photos: pmoffice.gov.lk

Indian Cultural Centre

Workshops
Address: 16 R G Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07
The entrance to competitions, Friendship Concerts and Choir Parade is free of charge and open to public.
Tickets for Opening Concert (October 21), Closing Concert (October 28) and Celebration Concerts (October 22 & 26) can be purchased online at choirgames.tickets.lk.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß
Ralf Eisenbeiß was born in 1952 in Zeulenroda. After his secondary school examination he studied pedagogy, German philology and musical education. He received his PhD in 1979 at the Pedagogical University of Zwickau. From 1978 to 1981, he studied choir and orchestra conducting at the Franz Liszt Conservatory in Weimar.
Ralf Eisenbeiß was working as the director of the choral department at the Pedagogical University in Zwickau and appointed professor for choir conducting and choral singing in 1987. He was conductor of the renowned Pedagogical University Zwickau Choir. With his choir he performed a wide repertoire of compositions for a cappella choirs and with orchestra, too. Under his direction the choir won numerous prizes at national and international choir competitions.
Ralf Eisenbeiß was lecturer at the central seminar for choral conductors in Berlin and organized numerous workshops himself. He often appears as guest conductor at home and abroad. Since almost 30 years he works as artistic director of INTERKULTUR. Ralf Eisenbeiß is founder of the Int. Robert Schumann Choir Competition in Zwickau and one of the founders of the World Choir Games. Since 1992 he was responsible for more than 150 international competitions of INTERKULTUR in Germany, Italy, Korea, Indonesia, China, Austria, Spain, USA and other countries. Ralf Eisenbeiß is very often invited as a juror in national and other international choir competitions all over the world.

Soundarie David Rodrigo
Soundarie David Rodrigo, completed her musical career at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, where she was conferred with the award, Associate of the Royal College of Music, in piano performance and piano accompaniment. While at the Royal College of Music she participated in the prestigious Piano Platform series, which also gave her the opportunity to accompany various instrumentalists and vocalists, and collaborate at various venues including the Royal Festival Hall. As a soloist, Soundarie has performed both locally and internationally. She has performed with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka playing Beethovan’s piano concerto number one and the famous Greig Piano Concerto. She has performed the Grieg Piano Concerto with the Bombay Symphony Orchestra in 2009. In 2015, she performed the Rhapsody in Blue with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka. She enjoys collaborating with various singers and instrumentalists for recitals.
Soundarie is the Founder and Music Director of Sri Lanka’s premiere female ensemble, ‘Soul Sounds’ the first choir in Sri Lanka, to perform and win awards internationally over the last ten years, with acclaimed performances in India, Australia, China, Kuwait, Austria, France, and recently the USA, Malaysia, and South Africa, thus placing Sri Lanka on the map of International choral Music. She is also the Sri Lankan Representative on the Council for Musica Mundi, the International Organisation that hosts several prestigious International Choral Festivals and Competitions and is a jury member at international choral competitions. The ‘Soul Sounds Academy’ is founded by Soundarie, where giving opportunities for those passionate about music is her goal. She is one of the pioneering women of Choral singing in Sri Lanka, being the first to take Sri Lankan talent out to the world.
Besides having a hectic schedule in the field of music, Soundarie is also a qualified lawyer with a masters in law, in the field of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law from the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently Deputy Director at the SAARC Cultural Centre based in Sri Lanka. Among her awards include the SAARC Women of Achievement Award, Zonta Award, and the Bunka Award presented by the Japan/Sri Lanka Association.

Romāns Vanags
Romāns Vanags is a graduate of Emils Darzins' specialized music college and of the Department of Choir and Orchestra Conducting of Jazeps Vitols' Latvian State Conservatory in Riga. He has received a diploma in choir conducting and in music pedagogy and additionally studied orchestra conducting.
In 2003, Vanags received the master's degree in music. His professional work is focused on conducting and pedagogy. He served as the Chief Conductor of the teachers' choir "Vanema" for a long time and since 1990 as the principal Conductor of the Latvian University female choir "Minjona". Furthermore he was Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of Jāzeps Mediņš Music School boys` choir and worked with the Jazeps Medins Music College Symphonic Orchestra. From 1987 thru 1994, Vanags was employed at the Latvian Music Academy in Riga as professor of choir conducting and as the conductor of the academy choir. From 2005 to 2012 Vanags was the head of the Conducting Department.
Vanags has been appointed as one of the chief conductors of the All Latvian Song Celebration and the Youth Song Festival. Since 2004, Vanags is the chairman of the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO on the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, and since 2008, he is also a member of the World Choir Council. In 2008 Romāns Vanags received the highest civil decoration in Latvia – the Three Star Order. Romāns Vanags was a member of the artistic committee of the 8th World Choir Games in Riga and belongs since 2014 to the Artistic Board of INTERKULTUR.

Johan Rooze
Johan Rooze studied Piano and Conducting at the Utrecht Conservatory, the Netherlands. Later he went to the U.S. to specialize in Jazz Piano, Singing and Arranging.
He was founder and 23 years Musical Director of the Utrecht University Vocal Group “Dekoor”. They won many prices such as The Dutch Choir Festival, The International Vocal Group Festival and the “Idols for choir” TV show, “Korenslag” 2007 in the Netherlands. He was Conductor of the Utrecht Student Symphonic Choir and Orchestra. With these choirs he toured all over the world. Johan Rooze founded the “Dudok-Ensemble”, an outstanding Project Choir, conducted the monthly Bach Cantatas in Utrecht and was guest conductor with the National Radio Choir.
Furthermore he was Professor for Vocal Jazz, Conducting and Arranging at the Conservatories of Rotterdam and Alkmaar, a member of the board of Musical Advisors for the Dutch Royal Christian Music Association and Artistic Director for the International Choir Festival, Netherlands 2005.
In 2008 he moved to South Korea and teaches Choral Music and Jazz Piano at the Yeongnam University. He is musical director of a new Jazz Choir (Yaenoeul Jazz Singers) and in 2010 he founded the professional Daegu Students Choir. He is a frequent guest conductor with other choirs. Besides his choral work he is very active as a Jazz Pianist and Arranger. He works as Artistic Director for INTERKULTUR and is a frequently asked adjudicator, speaker and workshop-leader internationally.

Fred Sjöberg
Fred Sjöberg, born 1953, is an educated singer and choral conductor at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm and Örebro. Among others he has studied with Prof. Solwig Grippe, Prof. Eric Ericson and Prof. Helmuth Rilling. He has been the first conductor to conduct the three major international youth choirs as World Youth Choir (1991 and 2005), World Chamber Choir (1993) and European Youth Choir (1999).
When the Swedish organization for young choirs “UngiKör” started he was elected as their first president. In 2000 he was appointed as the “Conductor of the Year” in Sweden by SCDA (Swedish Choral Directors Association) appointed with the Johannes Norrby Medallion for outstanding and 2001 service and development to the Swedish Choral Life. From 1997 to 2004 he was the Music Director and conductor of the project “Notes for Millions”.
From 2000 to 2004 he was also Music Director of the Swedish Choral Centre as well as Artistic Director for Lund International Choral Festival from 2005 to 2006. Since 2009 he is Music Director of Swedish International Choral Centre in Örebro. Fred Sjöberg has been Vice President of Europa Cantat as well as President of the Music Commission of Europa Cantat and has also been Vice President of IFCM.
He is Council Member of INTERKULTUR and also on the Artistic Directorium of INTERKULTUR.
From 2015 he is General Artistic Director of INTERKULTUR.

Ren Baoping (China)
conductor, composer, lecturer, adjudicator
- Vice Chairman of China Chorus Association and Chairman of China College and University Choir Committee
- Artistic Director and chief conductor of the awarding-winning "Peiyang Chorus"
- one of the representative figures of contemporary Chinese chorus art development, creating a unique "Peiyang chorus sound"
- regularly gives lectures on Chinese traditional music in the USA and more than 30 areas of China
- adjudicator at national and international choir competitions

Thomas Caplin (Norway)
teacher, conductor, author, clinician
- Professor in choral conducting and management
- conductor of the "Vocal Group Nordic Blue" and the "Defrost Youth Choir"
- frequently engaged as guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator at international competitions
- specialist within the psychological / pedagogical aspects of choral leadership, coupled with the traditional perspectives of choral conducting and in the cross field between classical and rhythmical singing and conducting
- author of "The Learning Conductor", a book on choral conducting (2016)

Châu Anh Đặng (Vietnam)
- Head of Conducting Section at Vietnam National Academy of Music
- Artistic Director of the Vietnam International Choir Competition
- Well known in Vietnam as MC, honour guest, juror of music TV programs and competitions
- Member of World Choir Council

Menaka de Fonseka Sahabandu (Sri Lanka)
- Soprano, Pianist, Violinist, Choral and Music director
- Fellow of Trinity College, London and a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, London in both Piano and Singing
- as a teacher with 33 years' experience she is one of the leading Piano and Voice Teachers in Sri Lanka
- Founder/Director of Menaka Singers and Menaka Singers Opera Ensemble and lecturer at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts of Sri Lanka
- In recognition of her contribution to Western Music in Sri Lanka she was presented with an Award of Excellence in Music by the SAARC Women's Association

Neil Jenkins (Great Britain)
- Chorister at Westminster Abbey, Choral Scholar at King's College Cambridge and first tenor in the famous vocal group 'The Kings Singers'
- he is now an internationally renowned tenor, conductor and music editor and has recorded over 60 discs, with – among others – Bernstein, Britten, Domingo and Pavarotti
- in the 1970s he was appointed as an RCM singing professor by Sir David Willcocks
- runs his own international summer school – AIMS – in Eastbourne, England, every August, gives a regular series of master classes, is a well-known Music Festival adjudicator, and sits on international singing juries

Ai Hooi Lim (Singapore)
- Graduated in 1989 from the Royal College of Music, London, majoring in piano and voice
- Recognised and respected conductor and educator in Singapore's choral scene
- In 2009, she founded "ONE Chamber Choir" which has triumphed at competitions in Philippines, Wales, Hungary, Germany and South Africa, including achieving the title Champion of the World Choir Games in 2018.
- Uses the creation of music as a platform to share and infuse her values and beliefs in her singers and inspires them to use the beauty of music.
- Co-founded Sourcewerkz PL to further her calling to teach, touch and transform the larger choral community and its audience, reaching out to many choristers around the world, proving that music is indeed without borders.

Ibarisha Lyngdoh (India)
- known as the 'Nightingale of North East India', she has performed at numerous venues and places across the world and for distinguished dignitaries including former President of USA, Barrack Obama, the legendary Zubin Mehta, André Bocelli and the famous British band Coldplay
- her first international debut was in the year 2006, in Switzerland, where she performed pieces by Mozart, Handel and a Khasi folk opera – 'Ka Sohlyngngem'
- as an artist, she has arranged and orchestrated music, which was performed by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the European Concert Orchestra and the Israeli Orchestra for special recitals
- presently the lead singer of the Shillong Chamber Choir which has won the talent show India's Got Talent 2010
- associateship and licentiate diploma from Trinity College London

Pawasut Piriyapongrat (Thailand)
- received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Music from the University of Southern California, USA
- very active and well-known in the Thai choral scene as a leading choral conductor, clinician, and an adjudicator in and outside Thailand
- dedicates much time and energy in bettering choral standards in Thailand through her initiatives that include various workshops, choral festivals, and camps
- full-time faculty member of Department of Music Education, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

Johan Rooze (Netherlands)
- Artistic Director at INTERKULTUR, Germany.
- Teacher of Jazz piano and Choir at Yeongnam University in Daegu, South-Korea.
- Founder and conductor of the Daegu Jazz Singers in Daegu, South Korea.
- International adjudicator, clinician-, seminar- and workshop-leader.
- Former conductor and artistic director of student Vocal Jazz Group „Dekoor“ and the Student Symphonic Choir and Orchestra (USKO) of the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Former professor for Choral Conducting at the Conservatory of Alkmaar and Vocal Jazz at the Conservatory of Rotterdam (The Netherlands).
- Member of INTERKULTUR World Choir Council

Susanna Saw (Malaysia)
- Active music educator promoting music and choral education in Malaysia
- Currently a lecturer and choir director at the Faculty of Music at the University of Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Art
- In 2007, she established the Young Choral Academy in Kuala Lumpur, a venue for choral lovers and teachers to learn more about vocal and choral education.
- Regularly invited to be a member of the Jury for various international choir festivals
- Active Working Committee member of the Asia-Pacific Choral Council, under the auspices of the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM) and currently Vice-President of the International Kodály Society, the World Youth and Children Choral Artists' Association, and the Malaysian Association for Music Education
- Member of the World Choir Council

Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng (Philippines)
- President of the Philippine Choral Directors Association
- Associate Professor of Music at the University of the Philippines
- Artistic Director of the International Bamboo Organ Festival
- Received Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Michigan
- Received Master of Music from Yale University

Aida Swenson (Indonesia)
- Founder and Music Director of the internationally known Indonesian Children and Youth Choir "Cordana"
- Chairman of the National Foundation for the Development of Choral Music in Indonesia and Member of Advisory of the Foundation of Church Music – YAMUGER
- International and national juror and clinician
- Has travelled through the provinces in Indonesia training choirs and conductors
- Member of the INTERKULTUR World Choir Council

André van der Merwe (South Africa)
- Musical director of the "Stellenbosch University Choir" (since 2003), the "Stellenberg Girls Choir" (since 1999) and "Voces Cordis" (since 2022)
- Under his baton the "Stellenbosch University Choir" and the "Stellenberg Girls Choir" have won numerous national and international awards
- Often invited to perform as guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician nationally and internationally
- In 2012 he received a ministerial cultural award (Western Cape Government) for his work with choirs and the youth and a civic honorary award from the City of Cape Town.
- Member of the World Choir Council

Elena Volodina (Russia)
- Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of ALYE PARUSA Children’s Choir , which became Champion at the World Choir Games 2016, Champion of the European Choir Games and twice winner of the Grand Prix of Nations 2017 in Riga
- Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation
- member of the Presidium of the Federation of Children's and Youth Choirs of Russia
- adjudicator, conductor and requested lecturer
INTERKULTUR
Colombo Cultural Hub (CCH)
President INTERKULTUR
Günter Titsch (Germany)
Managing Trustee CCHT
Augustus Manoharan Chanmugam (Sri Lanka)
Honorary Presidents INTERKULTUR
Walter Scheel † (Germany), Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany
John Rutter (Great Britain), Honorary Artistic President
Morten Lauridsen (USA), Honorary Artistic President
Mikis Theodorakis (Greece), Honorary Artistic President
Hongnian Yang (China), Honorary Artistic President
Xiaoying Zheng (China), Honorary Artistic President
Artistic Committee
Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß (Germany), Senior Artistic Director
Soundarie David Rodrigo (Sri Lanka)
Assoc. Prof. Romāns Vanags (Latvia)
Johan Rooze (Netherlands)
Fred Sjöberg (Sweden), General Artistic Director
INTERKULTUR Executive Committee
Günter Titsch (Germany)
Qin Wang (China)
Stefan Bohländer (Germany)
Dr. Christoph Wirtz (Germany), Secretary General
Organizers are the INTERKULTUR Management GmbH and the Colombo Cultural Hub (CCH).

Program Book
Participating Groups
We are happy to welcome 72 choirs from 9 nations to the 4th Asia Pacific Choir Games in Colombo!

Chu Cultural China (China)

Li Ming Chorus of Hong An Tiantai Temple Buddhism Academy of Music (China)

Hangzhou Xizi Women's Choir (China)

Xinjiang Karamay Hongliu Choir (China)

Lily Of The Valley Chamber Choir (China)

Chuxiong Liyin Choir (China)

Meili Sempiternus Acappella (China)

China Yunnan Elderly College Tianyin Choir (China)

Shenzhen Yuanling Jiujiu Choir (China)

Liaoning Stars Chorus (China)

Guiyang Female Choir (China)

Folk Song Group "Jane" (Croatia)

Vocal Group "Bona Forma" (Croatia)

BEAT CHOIR (India)

The Salvation Singers (India)

The Madras Musical Association Choir (India)

Sargam Choir (India)

KC Lights (India)

Mizo Cardinal Choir (India)

The Nagaland Chamber Choir (India)

Ao Naga Choir (India)

Riga Orthodox Chamber Choir "Blagovest" (Latvia)

The Children's Choir Alie Parusa of the Art School #1 in Vladivostok (Russia)

PSM Miracle Voices UII (Indonesia)

Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (Indonesia)

UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Choir (Indonesia)

Student Choir of UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya (Indonesia)

The Student Choir Of Tadulako University (Indonesia)

PSM Vocalista Paradisso UPN Veteran Yogyakarta (Indonesia)

Hotumese Choir (Indonesia)

Cantus Firmus Sanata Dharma University (Indonesia)

Uhamka Choir (Indonesia)

Manyosi Choir (Indonesia)

Jefsi Choir (Indonesia)

Avaye Mahan (Iran)

Peace Choir (Iran)

Tonal Choir (Iran)

Parse Choir Group (Iran)

KMITL Chorus (Thailand)

Methodist College Choir (Sri Lanka)

Revelations Academy Children’s Choir (Sri Lanka)

Contempo (Sri Lanka)

Resonance (Sri Lanka)

The British School in Colombo Dancers (Sri Lanka)

The British School in Colombo Junior School Choir (Sri Lanka)

Noted (Sri Lanka)

St. Bridget's Convent Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Coro CantAmici (Sri Lanka)

The Piccolinis (Sri Lanka)

Prestantia Chorale (Sri Lanka)

Prestantia Music School Junior Choir (Sri Lanka)

Camerati (Sri Lanka)

Lyceum International School Nugegoda Children's Choir (Sri Lanka)

Ladies' College Senior Choir (Sri Lanka)

The British School in Colombo Choir (Sri Lanka)

Peradeniya Singers (Sri Lanka)

Kandy Junior Singers (Sri Lanka)

Choral Spectrum (Sri Lanka)

St. Theresa's Children's Choir (Sri Lanka)

Pettite Chorale (Sri Lanka)

Elizabeth Moir School Children's Choir (Sri Lanka)

Elizabeth Moir School Chamber Choir (Sri Lanka)

Lyceum International Wattala Choir (Sri Lanka)

Ladies College - Intermediate Choir (Sri Lanka)

Asteria - Female Voice Choir (Sri Lanka)

Royal College Choir (Sri Lanka)

The Ladies' College Alumni Choir (Sri Lanka)

Lyceum International School Panadura (Sri Lanka)

Senior Choir, Gateway College Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Junior Choir, Gateway College Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Soul Sounds Academy Choir (Sri Lanka)

Soul Sounds Academy Children's Choir (Sri Lanka)

St. Cecilia's Choir of St. Joseph's College (Sri Lanka)

Gateway College, Negombo (Sri Lanka)
Greetings from Sri Lanka
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Destination
Colombo is the largest city of Sri Lanka and a popular tourist destination. It is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. Until 1982 it was the legislative capital of Sri Lanka. Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Like many cities, Colombo's urban area extends well beyond the boundaries of a single local authority, encompassing other municipal and urban councils. The main city is home to a majority of Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous landmarks in Colombo include Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Colombo Racecourse, Planetarium, University of Colombo, Mount Lavinia beach, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo Lotus Tower (is being constructed) as well as the National Museum.
Source: wikipedia.org
Competition Results
Open Competition | ||
---|---|---|
26 GOLDEN Diplomas | 37 SILVER Diplomas | 2 BRONZE Diplomas |
Asia Pacific Champions Competition | ||
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31 GOLDEN Medals | 11 SILVER Medals | 0 BRONZE Medals |
Grand Prix of Nations | ||
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19 GOLDEN Medals | 4 SILVER Medals | 0 BRONZE Medals |
Results(411 KB)